Photo Finish: FAMU to celebrate 50th Field Day

For more than 50 years, Florida A&M University (FAMU), through the Entomology Program in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education, has hosted the annual W.L. Peters Annual Field Day and Workshop in Entomology. As the longest-running continuing education program at FAMU, the event has become a trusted resource for pest management professionals (PMPs) across the southeastern United States.

Each year, the program provides practical, research-based training on current pest management issues while helping participants earn the continuing education units (CEUs) required to maintain their pesticide applicator licenses. Today, participants can earn CEUs for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

FIELD DAY PIONEERS: This photo from 1968 shows, from left, entomologists Drs. Tomáš Soldán, Biology Centre CAS Czech Republic; Bill Peters; Vladimir Landa, Czech Academy of Sciences; and Manuel Pescador, FAMU. (PHOTO: JANICE PETERS)

TODAY’S LEADERS: John Dukes III, left, is chair of the 2026 Field Day Advisory Committee. Dr. Lambert Kanga is an entomology professor and chair of FAMU’s entomology program. This photo was taken during the 2024 event. (PHOTO: DR. ANAMIKA SHARMA)

The workshop traces its origins to the mid-1970s, when the vision of creating an educational program for the pest management industry first took shape. According to Dr. Bill Peters’ widow, Janice Peters, the late Dr. Vladimir Landa of the Czech Academy of Sciences inspired the idea of developing an event that would bring universities and the pest management industry together while delivering practical, science-based information to professionals.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: At the 2025 Field Day, the wood-destroying organism (WDO) class was one of many that were well attended by PMPs from around the region. Field Day usually attracts between 250 and 300 attendees. (PHOTO: DR. ANAMIKA SHARMA)

DOWN MEMORY LANE: Students with the FAMU Entomology and Center for Biological Control team during the 2016 Field Day. (PHOTO: JOHN DUKES III)

From the beginning, the workshop served as a gathering place for students, pest management professionals (PMPs), researchers, industry leaders, vendors and representatives from government agencies. Much like a professional conference, the event combines educational presentations, networking opportunities and exhibits showcasing the latest products and technologies. With strong support from sponsors, vendors and organizations such as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the workshop has steadily grown into one of the Southeast’s premier educational events for the pest management industry.

The program owes much of its development to Ruben Capelouto, a Tallahassee PMP who began teaching urban entomology and structural pest control courses at FAMU in 1970 as an adjunct instructor and later as a professor. Dr. Peters was instrumental in bringing Capelouto to the university, where he introduced students to both the scientific and entrepreneurial aspects of entomology.

Recognizing the need for professional education and diversity within the pest management industry, Capelouto organized meetings of industry representatives in 1978 and 1979 that ultimately led to the establishment of the Annual Field Day and Workshop in Entomology in 1980.

2014 SCHOLARSHIPS: This group of students were awarded the Capelouto Scholarship during 2014 Field Day. (PHOTO: JOHN DUKES III)

TEAMWORK: FAMU team during 2024 Field Day. From left are Dr. Lambert Kanga, Janice Peters, and Drs. Anamika Sharma, Susie Legaspi and Sabrina Hayes. (PHOTO: JOHN DUKES III)

The first full Field Day event was held in 1980. Presentations by Robert Clements and Dr. John Mulrennan Jr. emphasized community service and insect collections while helping establish the foundation for what later became Florida’s recertification program for PMPs. Before statewide recertification requirements were fully implemented, individual programs focused on specific topics.

The fourth Field Day highlighted wood-destroying insects (WDI), the fifth focused on rodent management, and the sixth program in 1983 addressed turf pests. In that same year, the workshop moved to the Donald L Tucker Civic Center, in Tallahassee, Fla., where it continued to be held until 2016, moving to Tallahassee State College (TSC) (then known as Tallahassee Community College) the next year. Since then, the meeting has been organized at TSC. Before 1991, the meetings were held in February. In 1991, the meeting date shifted from February to November, resulting in two workshops being conducted that year. 

FLORIDA COLLEGE RIVALRY IS ON THE AGENDA: Dr. Rebecca Baldwin, director of the University of Florida (UF) Entomology and Nematology Education and Outreach Program, and UF Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Koehler — also a PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2015) — were among the speakers for the 2025 Field Day. (PHOTO: ANAMIKA SHARMA)

NETWORKING AND LEARNING: FAMU administrators and Dr. Buggs Exterminators Inc. team during the 2024 Field Day, from left are Dr. Lambert Kanga, Kirphton Fray, Dr. Robert Taylor, Dr. Steven Leong, John Dukes III, Dr. Dale Wesson and Dr. Muhammed Haseeb. (PHOTO: JOHN DUKES III)

Following Capelouto’s passing in 1980, the Ruben Capelouto Scholarship Fund was established in his honor. The scholarship continues to support undergraduate and graduate entomology students at Florida A&M University, reflecting his lasting commitment to education and the future of the pest management profession. 

“Field Day has impacted lives,” says John Dukes III, founder of Dr. Buggs Exterminators Inc. in Gainesville, Fla. Not only was he one of the first award winners in the program, but since 1987 has been chair of the event’s advisory committee. “People meet each other and build relationships. It’s become much more than a venue to obtain CEUs. It has developed organically into an organization that provides unique opportunities for networking, personal growth and intentional learning.” 

RENEWING FRIENDSHIPS: Event co-founder Janice Peters chats with longtime attendee Bob Kunst, president of Fischer Environmental Consulting, Mandeville, La. Kunst is also a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2010). (PHOTO: JANICE PETERS)

The program has regularly attracted between 250 and 300 PMPs annually. Although attendance declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, participation has steadily rebounded. Since its inception, multiple individuals have received education or continuing education credits through the program. The majority of attendees have come from small businesses, while the remaining participants represent commercial and public facilities. 

“I have had the privilege of attending over 40 Annual Entomology Field Days since the first event,” says Dennis Justice, founder of Assured Audit Pest Prevention in Tucson, Ariz. “The courses provide valuable practical information that can easily be implemented in one’s business. My fondest memories include seeing Dr. Peters in his Hawaiian print shirts and admiring the spectacular insect artwork created by Jan Peters.”

LONGTIME LEADER: Ruben Capelouto in 1979. (PHOTO: JANICE PETERS)

Charles Dixon, a long-time attendee and industry leader, first attended the workshop in 2001, shortly after earning his Florida operator’s license. Encouraged by another PMP from his town of Thomasville, Ga., Dixon soon realized that FAMU Field Day provided one of the most economical ways to earn CEUs for multiple states. 

“The classes and labs have always had engaging and knowledgeable instructors,” Dixon adds. “Every year, I returned to my business with new knowledge and ideas to implement. Over the years, I developed friendships with many attendees, and those conversations were just as valuable as the classroom learning. Every year, I look forward to seeing old friends and continuing to learn.” 

Special recognition is due to Janice Peters, who co-founded the event, and FAMU Entomology Program Chair Dr. Lambert Kanga, whose leadership has become closely intertwined with the workshop’s history.

When asked how she managed so many successful Field Days, Peters replies simply, “I don’t know — it just happened.” 

Dr. Kanga adds, “This workshop is more than CEUs; it is a tradition of collaboration, innovation and professional growth that continues to benefit our industry.” 

The 50th annual W.L. Peters Field Day and Workshop in Entomology will take place on Nov. 4-5, 2026. To register, visit TinyURL.com/39fm4zd2.

FAMU Assistant Entomology Professor Dr. Sharma is the director of the W.L. Peters Annual Field Day and Workshop in Entomology. She can be reached at anamika.sharma@famu.edu.

If you have programs or events you think could inspire fellow PMPs, please send a writeup and photos to pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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Sacramento CA

Building a community of pest management knowledge

Earlier this year, longtime Rentokil Terminix entomologists Dr. Nancy Troyano, BCE, and Jen Fox, ACE, teamed up to invite pest control experts to share their practical insights, real-world experiences and forward-thinking ideas in an effort to help businesses stay ahead of emerging challenges.

Dr. Troyano is director of operations education and training, while Fox was most recently director of service delivery for the Memphis, Tenn.-based company, which serves approximately 4.9 million customers and has 57,700 employees globally. Founded in 1927, Terminix became part of UK-based Rentokil Initial in 2022 following the acquisition of Terminix Global Holdings Inc.

“The Pest Collective” officially launched in April and is geared to business leaders who are responsible for protecting their people, products, operations and brand reputation.

Educational resource

Ultimately, “The Pest Collective” is about creating a community of learning.

“We recognized there was an opportunity to create a resource focused on educating and informing consumers,” says Dr. Troyano. “Commercial pest management is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving regulations, technology, food safety requirements and changing customer expectations.”

Helping businesses make informed decisions, instead of reacting to pest issues after they occur, is the goal of the conversations featured on “The Pest Collective.” Scientists, operations leaders, food safety experts, pest control industry partners and other experts share their unique expertise and real-world experience.

“Having guests allows us to present multiple perspectives and gives listeners practical advice from professionals who solve these challenges every day,” Dr. Troyano says. “We’re proud to bring together industry experts who are passionate about sharing knowledge and helping businesses succeed.”

Topics are driven by customer needs and include emerging trends, seasonal risks, regulatory changes, customer questions and common operational challenges.

Consistent content

Dr. Troyano and Fox began recording early in the year to build a library of episodes featuring consistently valuable content that they then release on schedule. Titles describe what listeners can expect, such as “Reactive vs. Proactive: Why Timing Matters in Pest Control” and “How Pest Issues Put Food Safety and Inspections at Risk.”

With compelling topics like those, listeners cannot help but take away practical knowledge they can apply in their businesses immediately. But that’s not all Dr. Troyano and Fox hope listeners learn from “The Pest Collective.”

“More importantly, we want businesses to view pest management as a proactive business strategy — not simply a reactive service,” says Dr. Troyano. “Effective pest management protects operations, supports compliance, safeguards reputations and ultimately contributes to business success.”

The episode titled “Groundhog Day: Why Rodent Problems Recur” is one of Dr. Troyano’s favorites. “I appreciate how it takes a common frustration — dealing with the same rodent issues over and over — and explores the root causes behind why they keep coming back,” she says. “Rather than focusing solely on treatment, the episode emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying conditions, strengthening exclusion efforts, improving sanitation and adopting a long-term prevention strategy. It’s a great example of the proactive mindset we hope to inspire through ‘The Pest Collective.’”

Sofranec can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.

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Sacramento CA

Rockwell Labs: EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control Concentrate

EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control is an advanced, specially formulated botanical concentrate for mosquito and tick control. It is exempt under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 25(b) provision. EcoVia MT delivers quick kill control and residual repellency for optimal mosquito and tick management. Its concentrated formula results in low use rates (0.33 ounces per gallon for mosquitoes and deer ticks), and it mixes easily and stays in solution. Like other FIFRA 25(b) products, there are no notification requirements (recommend verification with your state regulations), and no water set-back or pyrethroid application restrictions. It also offers minimal risk to pollinators. EcoVia MT can be applied in compressed air sprayers, mist blowers and foggers. Its water-based formula will not leave behind an oily residue. Available in a 16-ounce and a 64-ounce tip-n-measure bottle, as well as in 30-gallon and 55-gallon drums, this Green Zone product is suitable for green service programs.

About Rockwell Labs

Founded in 1998 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. Cisse Spragins (Class of 2018), North Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockwell Labs offers products that are conceptualized, developed and formulated in-house. New products undergo extensive testing in-house, in the field and at major universities before they are produced and launched in the professional market.

RockwellLabs.com

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Sacramento CA

7 factors that drive the value of a pest management business

Pest management has become a darling for private equity (PE) and strategic buyers because it offers what they want: recurring revenue from large numbers of profitable customers of a similar type in the buyer’s targeted geography that stick around for years. By understanding and packaging each of seven specific aspects in detail, pest management professionals (PMPs) can guide their businesses to maximize value in a sale.

1. Focus

Clendenin

Buyers tend to seek “pure-play” assets, which are firms that are largely focused on either a commercial or residential customer base and that provide predominantly one type of service. Bear in mind, however, that a buyer’s focus often changes over time as they grow and seek more firms to acquire, leading them to add services or customer bases they might not have considered a year earlier.

The key to a higher sale price is to know who is buying what and when, and to put your well-tailored offering in front of them at just the right time.

2. Size

Bigger businesses are valued more highly simply because the buyer can acquire more revenue in one go. Currently, businesses face valuation inflection points at different sizes:

Businesses under $1 million in revenue are more challenging to sell and tend to trade at lower multiples. Unless a buyer is set up to do small, tuck-in acquisitions, it is just too much work for too little revenue for most buyers to buy this size business.

Businesses between $2 million and $5 million in revenue see their valuation driven by how close a match their base is to the buyer’s desired customer mix (see No. 1), how much profit each job delivers (see No. 5), and profit per truck route (see No. 6).

Anthony

Businesses between $5 million and $15 million in revenue trade on similar value drivers as above but garner strong multiples, as they can either be highly accretive add-ons to a business in a given market or a foothold in a new market for the buyer.

Businesses with more than $15 million in revenue are rare and can act as a platform for a buyer looking to enter the industry. Value is driven also by the quality of the management team, systems and reputation in their markets.

3. Recurring revenue

Simply put, buyers place a much lower multiple (if any) on one-time work. Preferences for types of recurring revenue change over time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, for example, termite renewals were valued far more highly than general pest control (GPC). Today, they can be valued above or below GPC based on retention rates.

4. Revenue retention

Firms with high retention rates and low customer churn are viewed as better-managed and worth more money than those with significant churn. Even a few percentage points of churn make a material difference in valuation.

5. Gross margin

This margin is derived from customer revenue minus the hard costs of providing the service. A smaller firm’s customers being tucked into existing routes are, to a large extent, valued on the gross margin that those customer accounts provide the new owners once layered onto their existing routes.

6. Route economics

Consider the amount of revenue per truck, less the cost of the technician, materials, gasoline and other vehicle expenses. How much contribution margin, or profit toward overhead, does a given route provide?

Different buyers track different metrics, but in general, clearly presented, profitable route economics will drive the price. The higher the contribution margin from the route is, the more highly the buyers will value the business. For larger businesses, this also holds true for the profitability of each branch office.

7. EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is the base number on which most buyers apply an acquisition multiple to value a business. Actually, that amount is EBITDA plus the owner’s personal expenses that are not necessarily business-related, as well as non-recurring business expenses, such as remodeling the office or installing a new air-conditioning system.

In truth, most buyers are looking at free cash flow once they own the business. Depending on the size, smaller firms are more likely to be valued on route economics, or even gross margin on the service itself if the acquired customers are likely to be aggregated onto the buyer’s existing routes. They then add in route density and increase the profitability of each route.

The bottom line: Packaging the business correctly and presenting it to the right universe of buyers in the right way will maximize value.

FACT: A multiple is a financial shortcut used to quickly estimate a company’s valuation. It compares the total value of a business to a specific financial metric, such as earnings or revenue. By multiplying this figure by a chosen metric, buyers and sellers can arrive at a purchase price.

Anthony and Clendenin are principals of the Clendenin Anthony Partnership. Visit Clendenin-Anthony.com for more information.

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Sacramento CA

WCS: SealMesh Pro

Wildlife Control Supplies (WCS) SealMesh Pro is a professional-grade rodent and pest exclusion material designed to seal cracks, gaps and entry points quickly and effectively. Each 4-inch x 10-foot roll combines reinforced stainless steel fiber mesh with an exclusive, non-curing sealant enhanced with synthetic diamond particles. This creates a flexible yet extremely tough barrier that helps deter rats, mice and other pests from chewing through.

Unlike standard caulks, fillers, or loose steel wool, the flexible, spongy texture of WCS SealMesh Pro compresses into openings for a tight fit while holding its shape for long-term exclusion. Built for residential and commercial use, it offers a durable, rust-resistant solution for sealing vulnerable areas where rodents and smaller wildlife may try to enter.

About Wildlife Control Supplies

WCS was founded in 1998 by the late Alan Huot and his wife, Carol — both experienced wildlife trappers and experts. The company has been helping wildlife and pest control professionals capture, control and prevent wildlife in the field, in commercial buildings and in residential environments ever since. The Suffield, Conn.-based company not only offers a variety of brands and products, but also has developed its own WCS Premium Grade Bait products and breakthrough inventions in response to customer needs.

Other products that WCS offers include:

• WCS Tube Trap Kit
• WCS Squirrel Standard Trapping Kit
• WCS No-See’Um Chimney Raccoon Trap
• REVEAL X Gen 2.0 Cellular Camera
• SpinAway Rotary Cleaning Kit
• BD-135 Bird Repellent
• Quicklock Duobait Twin Trap Mouse Station
• Soap in Seconds
• Carpenter Bee Cottage Trap
• XL Foundation Vent Covers
• GutterGate
• OwlEye Wi-Fi Inspection Camera

ShopWCS.com

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Sacramento CA

Pest Management Foundation, Abell Pest Control establish scholarship

The Pest Management Foundation unveiled the Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship Award, established by Abell Pest Control.

“The Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting the people who make our company strong and investing in the next generation,” said Abell Pest Control CEO Liz Abell. “We are proud to help students pursue their education, especially those who share our core values. By supporting their growth, we hope to help them build meaningful careers and continue the legacy of care and service that has shaped Abell for more than a century.”

The company is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and was founded in 1942.

The Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship Award was established to support students who demonstrate a strong commitment to Abell Pest Control’s core values of integrity, empathy, reliability, innovation and giving back to their community. Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in fields aligned with and supportive of the pest management industry.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school senior, or university student currently enrolled at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Full-time student in good academic standing with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled as high school seniors or college/trade school students at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada.
• Students must demonstrate a strong commitment to Abell Pest Control’s core values of integrity, empathy, reliability, innovation, and giving back to their community.
• Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in fields aligned with and supportive of the pest management industry, including but not limited to pest management, environmental science, urban entomology, rodentology, biological sciences, agriculture, food safety, public health, hospitality, property and facilities management, business operations, sustainability, and technology-related programs.
• Preference will be given to applicants located in Canada or one of the following U.S. states in which Abell conducts business: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.
• Preference will be given to applicants whose families serve in the pest management industry, or those who demonstrate a meaningful connection to the pest management industry through academic research, professional experience, or other relevant exposure.

Applications for all Foundation scholarships open Oct. 1. Visit the Foundation’s website for scholarship application requirements and how to apply. Or contact Foundation Executive Director (and Pest Management Professional “Callback Cures” columnist) Dr. Michael Bentley, BCE, at mbentley@pestworld.org.

About the Pest Management Foundation

The Pest Management Foundation’s mission and purpose is to advance the pest management industry through education, research, and training. The Pest Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Pest Management Association, the industry’s only national trade group. The Foundation has been in existence for more than 30 years and was originally named the Buettner Pest Control Foundation in honor of William O. Buettner, the NPMA’s first president and executive vice president and Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 1998).

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Sacramento CA

PCI: Krendl GV400 Insulation Vacuum

The GV400 insulation removal vacuum is a powerful, commercial-grade machine designed for high-volume insulation removal projects. Built to efficiently remove loose-fill fiberglass and cellulose insulation, the GV400 is designed to deliver dependable performance for attic restoration, insulation replacement and preparing homes for the installation of PCI’s TAP Pest Control Insulation.

Made in the USA, The GV400 Gas Vacuum is designed with a steel fan and chamber, powered by a 40-horsepower Briggs & Stratton V-Twin electronic fuel-injection (EFI) or a Kohler 38-horsepower V-Twin EFI gas engine. Other features include:

• Engineered and designed to eliminate engine vibration and fan blade stress
• Electronic Ignition system
• Input/Output safety switches
• Ergonomic mounting frame with 6-inch swivel wheels and 10.5-inch flat free tires
• New rotated chamber for additional safety
• Durable powdercoat finish
• Eight-inch input and output for batt insulation removal
• Able to remove all types of loose fill insulation
• Abrasion-resistant fan blade and chamber

About Pest Control Insulation

Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a Lula, Ga.-based distribution company focused on blended, customized insulation products, accessories and equipment for sale to the pest control industry. As the manufacturer of TAP insulation, PCI’s national customer base includes some of the largest pest control services companies in the country. It is a brand of TopBuild Corp.

TAPInsulation.com

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Sacramento CA

Zika virus resurfaces in New Jersey

This week, officials confirmed that a resident in New Jersey has become the first patient diagnosed with Zika virus in the state since 2020. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the sixth case in the U.S. in 2026 — all of which have been traced to international travel, and not from mosquitoes in the U.S. The CDC considers the U.S. to be at low risk for an outbreak at this time.

It is making headlines this time around regardless, however, because of the domestic outbreaks of Zika in the U.S. in 2015 and 2016. Per the CDC:

• In 2017, the number of reported Zika cases in the United States started to decline.
• Since 2018, there have been no reports of Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes in the continental United States.
• Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika cases reported from U.S. territories.

The CDC points out that, since 2019, “all locally acquired cases of Zika in the U.S. territories were diagnosed by antibody testing. Since antibodies against Zika virus can persist for years after infection, serology cannot distinguish between a recent or past infection. Additionally, Zika and dengue virus antibodies cross-react, making it difficult to diagnose which virus is the cause of the current illness. Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported from U.S. territories.”

The National Pest Management Association maintains a web page for today’s consumers who may be concerned about Zika online at PestWorld.org/news-hub/pest-health-hub/zika-virus-what-you-need-to-know. In addition, back in 2016, the association offered these talking points for pest management professionals who may have customers asking for more information (lightly edited here):

GENERAL TALKING POINTS
How is Zika virus transmitted?
Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes genus of mosquitoes, which is the same mosquito species that carries dengue fever and chikungunya. Yellow fever mosquitoes (A. aegypti) are the primary carriers, but Asian tiger mosquitoes (A. albopictus) might also transmit the virus.

What are the chances of an outbreak in the United States?
While we can’t speculate on the virus and its potential to spread, it is better to be prepared and practice vigilance in mosquito control by protecting yourself from coming into contact with mosquitoes and by eliminating breeding grounds at home should there begin to be cases of local transmission here in the United States. So far, all human cases reported in the U.S. have resulted from travel abroad.

How can I prevent mosquitoes?
Most counties have a mosquito abatement program in place to minimize the local population and help keep the public safe. These programs typically involve trapping mosquitoes in different areas and testing them for known pathogens. This helps monitor the spread of diseases and warn the public of risks in the area. County programs may also include plans for periodic spraying or fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes. Other preventative methods include:

• If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact a pest management company or your local health department.
• Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water where the larvae develop and need only about 0.5 inch of water to breed.
• Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the majority of mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, or when you will be outdoors for extended periods, wear long pants and sleeves and use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
• It is especially important to wear effective insect repellents and protective clothing if traveling outside the U.S. Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries.

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Sacramento CA

Situations and Solutions: How to prevent spiders around structures

Like almost all living animals, spiders attempt to settle in where they can find food with the least amount of energy to obtain it. The first question to ask is, “Why are the spiders selecting this location?” You need to think like a spider.

For spider species that rely on webbing to catch their prey, which are the majority of what we encounter as pest management professionals (PMPs), nighttime lighting is probably the No. 1 reason why they choose their spots. It helps to have points on a tree, shrub or structure to attach their web.

Effective removal method

I remember the first time I heard a technician in Florida complain about working during the holiday season. I was taken aback: “Are you kidding? That’s the best time to collect cash tips!”

Of course, I was thinking about the northern climate, where spiders are not very active outdoors in the winter. He set me straight: “Homeowners put up their Christmas lights, and that means an extra 15 minutes at each stop to remove webs that spiders begin on the strings.”

Speaking of Florida, back in 1987, I learned how a maintenance company was providing non-chemical spider management in Boca Raton by removing overhead cobwebs with long-pole spider brushes. When I asked them why they didn’t just spray for spiders, they pointed out that most of their multi-family residential accounts were built near retention ponds. Because it rains heavily almost every afternoon in the summer, the pesticide would end up in the ponds. Besides, the pesticide does not remove the webbing and egg sacs. 

I was excited to bring this information to the Purdue University Pest Management Conference in January 1988. The rest is history: Distributors bought into it, and today, cobweb dusters are a standard tool.

Tips for taking action

Here are a few more proactive spider management tasks to take:

• Redirect lighting. Put exterior lighting on a motion detector or mount lights away from the building. This will pull the night insects away from the structure and thereby pull the spiders away as well. In residential accounts in particular, garage doors cannot be sealed. Keeping the night light on by the garage door guarantees you are going to get spiders in the garage.
• Consider airflow. What can be done to redirect or minimize airflow into a building to prevent flies and other spider prey from sailing in? Is the screen mesh too large? Are doors left open that can be closed?  
• Maintain the landscape. Keep shrubbery to a minimum adjacent to any structure. Keep the grass cut low. High grass can harbor thousands of spiders. Avoid clutter and debris stored near and adjacent to a structure.
• Take a closer look at the exterior. Plug or screen weep holes, which serve as excellent spider harborage and entrance ways.
• Inspect everything. Hollow open pipes on patio chairs, unopened patio umbrellas, firewood stacks and mailboxes are all known to harbor spiders. 
• Find out about new storage moves. Before your customers bring their boats or trailers into their garages to store for the season, ask them to knock off any insects and spiders first.
• Minimize crawlspace moisture. Ventilate adequately to discourage both insects and spiders.

Add-on service opportunity: Gas grills often are not used for weeks at a time. Spiders are notorious for clustering inside the grill’s narrow tubes that mix gas and air. Eggs and webbing can restrict the gas flow and cause a flashback when firing up the grill. While there are purpose-built “spider brushes,” known as venturi brushes, available to avoid this issue, you also can use a pipe cleaner or a wire brush. This can avoid a dangerous experience for customers and make you look like a hero. — A.F.

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Sacramento CA

Arrow Exterminators: Merger Opportunities

Family-owned and -operated since 1964, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States, ranked by revenue. Arrow has more than 200 service centers, more than 3,600 team members and revenues exceeding $470 million. Featuring QualityPro accreditation by the National Pest Management Association, the company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect homes and businesses of customers and operates in 16 states: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. 

Arrow is led by President and COO Tim Pollard, CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick, and Chairman Joe Thomas, a Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2009). The company was founded in 1964 by industry veteran Starkey Thomas and his wife, Jean. Since acquiring its first company in 1988, Arrow has grown by partnering with pest control businesses that share its values and dedication to quality. Today, it stands as the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States.

Arrow offers a full range of services, including pest control, termite protection, mosquito prevention, wildlife control and exclusion, handyman work, insulation services and new construction treatments. These services are available for both residential and commercial customers.

As a third-generation family business, Arrow respects the time and effort it takes to build a successful pest management company. The team understands the importance of creating strong foundations for lasting partnerships and works closely with acquisition partners to ensure a smooth transition for both customers and employees.

Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring options, email mergers@arrowexterminators.com or visit online.

ArrowExterminators.com/mergers

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Veseris welcomes national account manager

Austin, Texas-based Veseris has named Jamie Young national account manager, bringing more than 25 years of experience in strategic account management, business development and customer relationship leadership.

Young spent seven years at Action Pest Control, managing a multi-market territory spanning fumigation, bird management and integrated pest management (IPM). She partnered with customers in food processing, grain, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, multi-family housing, healthcare and industrial sectors to build programs that protected operations, ensured compliance and reduced risk.

Per a press release, Young is “known for a consultative approach [and] builds customer relationships on trust, responsiveness and a clear understanding of each customer’s business goals. Prior leadership roles in healthcare operations, business development and marketing round out her ability to connect technical solutions to business outcomes. At Veseris, Jamie will help customers navigate an evolving industry through innovative products, technical expertise and strategic partnership.”

Young lives in New Jersey with her husband and enjoys cooking and traveling with her grown children.

About Veseris

Veseris has been rooted in the pest control industry for more than four decades, originating from the Van Waters & Rogers (VW&R) acquisition of Namco in the 1970s. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Veseris operates more than 70 ProCenter locations across North America, providing products and digital services like ProTraining to pest management professionals. 

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Sacramento CA

How to prevent stinging insect callbacks

Few callbacks generate more urgency than a stinging insect complaint. And for good reason — as a sting can land you in the emergency room if you have a sensitivity to insect venom. 

Common stinging insect callbacks in the summer months occur because early-season nests that were started in late spring got missed during a scheduled service. Familiarizing yourself with the biology and behavior of common stinging insect pests in your region is a critical first step to making sure you know what signs to look for, critical areas to inspect and when to look. Knowing where these pests are likely to nest will help you avoid getting tunnel vision during spring services. 

If you missed the initial spring inspection window, it’s not too late to fend off inevitable summer callbacks. August is still a great time to incorporate harborage surveys into every service call. This means checking under eaves, inside meter boxes and light fixtures, under deck railings and around dense landscape where bees and wasps often nest. For insects that construct subterranean nests, such as fire ants and yellowjackets, walk the property to look for activity at ground level. Incorporating a stinging insect inspection into your regular service visit will pay dividends if and when a nest is found before your client discovers the problem first. 

Even if you know which native species are in your area, stay current on any new invasive pests that may be making their way into your region. In the past decade, we’ve seen the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) and the yellow-legged hornet (V. velutina, pictured above) confirmed in various parts of the country. The Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis), an invasive pest confirmed in the U.S. for decades, has recently expanded its range into several new states. 

Stinging insect callbacks are predictable, seasonal and largely preventable. The best time to start preparing for stinging insect season may be late spring, but the second-best time to start preparing is right now.

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Tech Test: Revisit your bed bug knowledge

Edited by Mark VanderWerp, BCE, manager of education and training, Rose Pest Solutions, Madison Heights, Mich.

Adult common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) (PHOTO: © GENE WHITE)

An eggscellent ability to reproduce

Access to regular bloodmeals determines the number of egg batches a female bed bug has in her lifetime. The more bloodmeals she takes, the more eggs she will produce. An adult female bed bug lives an average of one year, so if she feeds every week, she will produce more eggs than she would if she feeds only once a month.

SOURCE: Virginia Tech Entomology Department

Answers to August Tech Test

1. a, 2. False, 3. a, 4. True, 5. d, 6. False, 7. b, 8. c, 9. c, 10. True

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Pest Trends: Ancient adaptations still shape modern scorpion control

Scorpions are old. In fact, they are likely the first animals to venture onto land some 437 million years ago, probably living as semi-terrestrial arthropods. At that time, the world would have been quite harsh, with both temperature and carbon dioxide levels significantly higher than today. Ancient seas were extensive, teaming with early life and encouraging organisms to transition onto land. 

Conditions have moderated since those distant days, but scorpions haven’t changed much since that early time. They certainly have adapted to becoming the second fully terrestrial animal (after millipedes), but their aquatic forebears passed on traits that have helped them survive in a changing and less stable environment than that of the ocean from whence they came. 

One big change was converting their exterior book gills through which they breathed in the water to the interior book lungs for breathing on land. This change allowed them to adapt from semi-aquatic to fully terrestrial animals. 

Since then, the scorpion has changed very little. Why would they? The scorpion body plan, though primitive, is perfect for survival — especially in dry environments like those of the primitive earth. Many species live in some of the most arid places on Earth today, such as the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus), but this doesn’t preclude other species from living in a variety of other environments like forests. Let’s look at a few representative species in each region of the U.S. 

East Coast: The predominant species is the southern devil scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus). This small species is considered harmless and occupies mostly forested areas. 

Southern devil scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus) [Image: epantha / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images]

Central Region: The genus Centruroides, or bark scorpions, includes common species with often potent venom. The striped bark scorpion (C. vittatus) predominates in this region. It spends most of its time on the ground and often enters homes and other human structures. Stings are common, but rarely dangerous. 

Southeast: In Florida and the coastal plains of Georgia and Alabama, the hentzi striped scorpion (C. hentzi) is common. Its sting is mild. The Florida bark scorpion (C. gracilis) is an introduced species common in the Sunshine State. It originates from Central and northern South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Southwest: The Arizona bark scorpion (C. sculpturatus) frequently enters homes. It is the only U.S. species considered dangerously venomous, with human deaths reported. This species, in true bark scorpion fashion, prefers trees but will live under a variety of landscape items such as river rock. Human activity in transforming desert areas into lush green landscapes has allowed this species to thrive.

Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) [Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

In the Sonoran Desert region specifically, two commonly encountered species are the Arizona giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) and the stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus). The desert hairy scorpion is a long-lived burrowing species; the stripe-tail can be found under rocks and other debris, where it seeks out areas of moisture. Neither scorpion is considered dangerous. In fact, the desert hairy scorpion is considered beneficial, as it will eat bark scorpions.

Pacific Coast: The California common scorpion (Paruroctonus silvestrii), a burrowing species, occupies arid areas along the coast, while the western forest scorpion (Uroctonus mordax) lives in wooded areas. Both species have a mild venom and are not considered dangerous.

In addition to the adaptation to book lungs from exterior gills, scorpions have other features that can help them survive today and consequently make them hard to control as pests. To combat these morphological and behavioral defenses, let’s look at each of these in turn and relate their biology to a control strategy that works.

The belly of the beast

If you turn over a scorpion and look at its ventrum, or underside, you will see four pairs of small openings along the mesosoma, or abdomen. These spiracles, or slits, are the openings into the book lungs and how a scorpion breathes.

Fig. 1. Four pairs of spiracles (yellow spots) run the length of the mesosoma below the paired pectines on this Arizona bark scorpion. [Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

Fig. 2. Close-up of spiracle opening, or slit, visible below the pecten.[Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

Unlike insects, scorpions transport oxygen via their blood-like hemolymph. Because the spiracles are on the bottom of the scorpion, it can be difficult to avoid certain chemical treatments such as dust (see Fig. 1). Appropriately labeled dusts, applied where scorpions hide during the day, can enter these lungs, get absorbed into the hemolymph, and travel throughout the scorpion’s body.

Also on the ventrum, scorpions have paired appendages used for tactile and chemical perception, which they evolved to track prey, find mates and avoid predators. These pectines, along with sensory organs on the legs, allow them to detect and avoid chemical treatments (see Fig. 2).

This has been shown in the Arizona bark scorpion. This species detects repellent chemicals and will raise its entire body off the treated surface to avoid them. This behavior is termed “stilting” and, when crossing a flat treated surface, can minimize exposure and avoid a lethal dose. However, the treatment of transition sites where the scorpion moves from a horizontal to a vertical surface or vice versa increases the likelihood of touching the treated surface and gaining a fatal dose. The treatment of these transition locations, such as ground to building foundation to J-trim, becomes critical for climbing scorpion species.

Exoskeleton defenses

Scorpions have a thick exoskeleton, coated with a thin, water-repelling wax layer that helps prevent them from desiccation (see Figs. 3 and 4). These cuticulin/wax layers also protect scorpions from physical harm. Products that can penetrate these layers can kill scorpions, including appropriately labeled, non-water-soluble products such as pyrethroids. Products that remove or cut through the wax layer also may kill the scorpion through desiccation. Products such as diatomaceous earth or silica gels, which attack this layer, also can be effective when applied correctly. These products are particularly effective when used in arid or low-humidity environments.

Fig. 3. Transverse cross-section through the arthrodial membrane (between segments) of the cephalothorax of the Arizona bark scorpion, showing a dorsal view of the hardened exterior layer of the exoskeleton (top) above the dark body cavity. The scale at the bottom shows 1-millimeter-wide blue bars.[Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

Fig. 4. Anterior (face) view of an Arizona bark scorpion, showing the thick exoskeleton.[Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

Scorpions are strongly nocturnal, spending nights primarily hunting for prey or searching for mates. They can detect light through their entire exoskeleton and move away from light instinctively (see Fig. 5). During the day, these animals find shelter in harborages for protection. Some species reuse an established burrow for years, while others find a new shelter each day.

Fig. 5. An Arizona bark scorpion takes a defensive pose under ultraviolet light, showing light reactivity. [Image: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

For burrowing species, the burrow can be treated directly. This would include species such as the giant desert hairy scorpion — a long-lived ambush predator with the potential of living more than 20 years. 

Other scorpions seek tight cracks and crevices for harborage, as they are strongly thigmotactic, which essentially means they feel safe when pressed into tight places. They often seek shelter under rocks, bark or debris, so treating underneath such harborage areas is critical in scorpion control.

Granular and liquids

The Arizona bark scorpion has no permanent home but finds a new hiding spot before each dawn. For species like this, the use of appropriately labeled granular residual pesticides can be very effective in harborages like river rock and bushes. Watering in these products activates them, which the scorpions find difficult to avoid in this type of cover. Bark scorpions also hide in palms, trees and under bark, so granular or liquid treatments around tree trunks can be effective.

Arizona giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) [
Photos: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control}

Stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus) [Photos: BOB GILBERT, BCE, PHE, Blue Sky Pest Control]

Florida bark scorpion (Centruroides gracilis) [Image:
 iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images]

Deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) [Image:
 iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images]

Scorpion prevention efforts

Like all pests, if food is scarce, scorpions will relocate. Insect control will help keep their numbers to a minimum.

Scorpions also hate to be exposed to daylight, so removing hiding places like trash, debris and river rock on the property can go a long way in minimizing scorpion numbers and keep them out
of structures.

Move flowerpots up onto stands rather than keeping them directly on the ground. Thin out bushes, keep grass mowed, and remove leaf piles or other items under which scorpions can hide. 

Inspect the structure and replace any worn or damaged weather stripping or window screens. Install door sweeps and screen rooftop vents. Trim trees away from the structure to avoid bridging onto the roof. 

Scorpion anatomy explains scorpion behavior. It shows us how they hunt, hide, breathe, climb and avoid danger. 

These adaptations have kept scorpions alive for hundreds of millions of years, but they also reveal the control points we need to target. Understand the animal, and the treatment becomes more precise, more deliberate and more effective.

References

1. Polis, G.A. 1990. The Biology of Scorpions. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif.

2. Romero, A., J. Agnew, E. Paysen and B. Blakely. (2021, October). “Arizona Bark Scorpions and Their Responses to Insecticides.” Pest Control Technology, 49(10), 40-44.

3. Gaffin, D.D., Bumm, L.A., Taylor, M.S., Popokina, N.V. and Del Castillo, S. (2012). “Scorpion fluorescence and reaction to light.” Animal Behaviour, 83(2), 429-436.

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Upgrade your invasive species strategies to protect the public

Remember playing Space Invaders at the local arcade back in the 1980s? Or perhaps a retro version of it since? Defending your territory against rows of pixelated aliens started out easy, but as soon as you cleared a screen, the next level fired up with faster action, trickier dropping patterns, and enemies coming at you from entirely new angles.

Derrek Pendergraff

In pest management, dealing with real-world invasive species often can feel like standing in front of that arcade cabinet: When the enemy changes its movement patterns, you have to change tactics and master new “levels.”

Derrek Pendergraff, owner of Derrek’s Pest Control in Leavenworth, Ind., is a big believer in customer education about what professional pest control is about. That includes using his company’s social media channels to discuss invasive species whenever there is news about a given species. In his market, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) continues its reign of terror on local woods and landscapes.

“Another one we’re keeping an eye out for is currently in Kentucky, the Asian longhorned tick,” Pendergraff adds, referring to Haemaphysalis longicornis. “They can be detrimental to the health of people, pets and livestock.”

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax, or NWS) has captured national attention since reappearing this year in the U.S. after a 60-year eradication period. Pendergraff says that while he doesn’t expect NWS to become a structural pest concern, he could see industry training programs “add a section of study for applicators to be able to identify and answer questions about the parasite” in the not-so-distant future.

A faster rate of growth

In February, Clemson (S.C.) University published a study that found that in the Southeastern U.S. specifically, invasive species are entering new markets faster than scientists can study them. Florida, in particular, is a hotbed for invasive insects. One study found that 450 non‑native arthropod species were detected in the state between 1990 and 2023. Nearly 300 of these species had never been recorded in North America before.

Dr. Faith Oi

The Clemson study lumped agricultural and forest insects along with structural pests. Dr. Faith Oi, a Pest Management Professional Editorial Advisory Board (PMP EAB) member and extension professor of the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, confirms that the structural pest management industry should “absolutely” take note.

“What is more concerning is that there is no formal surveillance system for urban structural pests like there is for key agricultural pests,” she adds, “which is why pest control will always be needed.”

Dr. Oi, who also is director of Florida’s Pest Management University program, says there always will be a need for professional pest management based purely on the biological invasion curve (see chart at the bottom of this page). “There are no federal agencies or global coordinated efforts tasked with surveillance of structural pests, except for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta),” she adds. “By the time there is ‘public awareness,’ eradication is almost impossible, and costs become prohibitive.”

Dan Baldwin, MPH, BCE, REHS/RS, FRSPH, a PMP EAB member, says the remainder of 2026 might be worse nationwide before it gets better, thanks to the Super El Niño weather phenomenon at play.

Dan Baldwin

“It probably will extend the high-pressure season of common pests as well,” adds Baldwin, VP of technical and training services for Ogden, Utah-based Hawx Pest Control. “So, you have the overall climate expanding ranges, and weather affecting activity periods.”

Dr. Oi says a number of additional factors are related to the increased spread of invasive species, such as:

• Selected breeding in the wild — like hybrid fire ants (S. invicta and S. richteri) — bolsters the ability of these insects to adapt and increase their distribution range.
• In many cases, there is a better level of reporting and analyzing population patterns. For example, invasive termites are being tracked by the North American Termite Survey working group, online at TermiteSurvey.org.
• “Human-mediated transport,” which is a fancy way of saying pests invade new places thanks to worldwide shipping routes and passenger travel.
• New home construction continues to encroach on what were previously animal habitats.

Regarding this last point in particular, Dr. Oi notes that in September, UF is launching a wildlife track to not only help PMPs learn animal control skills as a service, but also to protect themselves on the job.

This curve, which has evolved over the years since its introduction in 1995, shows how an invasive species spreads over time and how its cost to control goes up as it spreads. (SOURCE: DR. FAITH OI, MODIFIED FROM VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT (2010), TINYURL.COM/92DX8X37)

Power up your toolkit

Dr. Oi points out that, because there is no federal agency that coordinates surveillance specifically for urban structural pests, PMPs are the front line and critically important to intercepting invasive species.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time and, every time an invasive species comes across my desk, it’s from a sharp PMP who knows that whatever they are dealing with, it’s not ‘normal,’” she explains. “PMPs are doers. Creating a reference collection for what is ‘normal’ in their area is a pro tip.”

Considering that some invasive species must be put under a microscope to be identified, Dr. Oi suggests pest control companies make room in their budgets for at least one digital microscope for their team.

“Magnification is inexpensive these days,” she says.

---

Top 10 costliest invasive pests worldwide*:

1. Mosquitoes (Aedes spp.)
2. Rodents (Rattus spp. and Mus spp.)
3. Feral/outdoor cats (Felis catus)
4. Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)
5. Spongy moths (Lymanntria dispar)
6. Brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis)
7. Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus)
8. Boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis)
9. New World screwworms (Cochliomyia hominivorax)
10. African honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata)

* Data calculated for both cumulative damage and management costs (in billions of 2017 U.S. dollars) between 1970 and 2017.

SOURCE: UF/IFAS EXTENSION/PEST MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY

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